Record and carbon strip control for writing machines



Dc. 25, 1945. R P. WILLARD RECORD AND CARBON STRIP CONTROL FOR WRITING MACHINES Filed'Dec. 6, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet l niII liS? Dc. 25, 1945. R. P. WILLARD RECORD AND CARBON STRIP CONTROL FOR WRITING MACHINES El enin 1; E0552?" P MLLneo 4 Sheets-Shegt 2 Filed Dec. 6, 1941 Dec. 25, 1945. R. P. WILLARD RECORD AND'CARBON STRIP CONTROL FOR WRITING MACHINES 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 6, 1941 Even for;

Posse?- W/LL/mb Dec. 25, 1945.

R. P. WILLARD RECORD AND CARBON STRIP CONTROL FOR WRITING MACHINES Y 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 lqu eni oz; P055127 P W/LLHBO Filed Dec. 6, 1941 Patented Dec. 25, 2%45 RECORD AND CARBON STRIP CONTROL FOR WRITING MACHINES Robert P. Willard, Lewiston, N. Y., assignor to Moore Business Forms, Inc., a corporation of Delaware Application December 6, 1941, Serial No. 421,989

19 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in writing machines and the like, and more particularly to improved means for feeding and controlling the record and transfer or carbon strips ordinarily utilized in such machines for receiving the record inscriptions and for transferring the same to make copies.

It is a general object of the invention to provide an improved strip controlling and feeding mechanism of the class mentioned wherein the transfer or carbon strip or strips are separately controlled and fed into interleaved transfer relation with the record strips, whereby eparate feeding means for the transfer strip contributes to the feeding and positioning of the record strips.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved feeding and controlling means for a continuous endless transfer strip, whereby the latter can be introduced into interleaved relation with the record strips and moved conjointly therewith into inscribing position after which the transfer strip is removed from transfer relation with the record strips and maintained in a reserve section or loop for reintroduction in transfer relation with succeeding record receiving parts of the record strips of the long continuous traveler type.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved feeding mechanism for the continuous endless transfer strip, so constructed and arranged as to provide an auxiliary means for advancing the record strips as the inscription progresses, and that is capable of operating to exert continuous feeding effort upon th transfer strip both during periods of movement and periods of rest in record strip advancement. V

A further object of the invention is to provide improved guiding means for guiding the endless transfer strip to and from interleaved transfer relation with the record strips, and for providing for separate or unitary lateral adjustment of the guiding means for the accommodation of different widths of record and transfer strips.

A further object is to provide an improved guiding means for turning and guiding the transfer strip from a course transverse to that of the record strips into the course of the record strips in transfer relation therewith, and to provide an improved means for avoiding the fouling or interruption to the feeding and positioning of the strips with each other.

Other objects of the invention will be in part pointed out in the following detailed description of an illustrative but preferred embodiment of the invention, and will be in Part obvious as the disclosure proceeds.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts, which will be exempiified in the construction hereinafter set forth and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the claims.

For a more comprehensive disclosure of the nature, objects and advantages of the invention, reference is had to the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment, and to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a partially diagrammatic vertical longitudinal section of a writing or tabulating machine embodying the invention, parts being omitted, the section being taken approximately on the line ll of Fig. 3;

Fig. 2 is a transverse vertical section taken approximately on the line 2-2 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of a part of the machine shown in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4. is a side elevation of Fig. 3 looking upwardly toward the lower side thereof;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary detail plan view, partly in horizontal section, of the feed mechanism for the transfer strip;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary detail perspective view of the guiding and turning means for the transfer strip;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary partially diagrammatic perspective view of a fragment of a record assembly of the long continuous traveler type such as ordinarily employed in machines of this kind;

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic plan view showing the relative positions of the record and transfer strips;

Fig. 9 is a further diagrammatic view in elevation showing the manner of feeding and interleaving the endless carbon strips with the record strips; and

Fig. 10 is also a diagrammatic view in side ele- Vation illustrating the courses of the record and transfer strips.

Referring to the drawings for a detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention there shown, the improved record and transfer strip controlling mechanism has for illustrative Purposes been shown as embodied in a typewriting or tabulating machine of the type disclosed in the Mabon Patent No. 2,171,003, dated August 29, 1939. The structural framework of this machine may be of any known preferred design and is herein disclosed only in a fragmentary partially diagrammatic manner. This machine embodies a rotary cylindrical platen H on which the long continuous traveler record strips S are supported for the reception of inscriptions by means of well-known type mechanism (not shown) as illustrated, for example, in the prior Mabon patent referred to. These record strips S are ordinarily led from a suitable supply source such as a zigzag folded supply pack S .over ,an appropriate guide l2 to the paper table 13 andthence to the platen. Pressure rolls I 4 may be used to press the record strips into close contact. with the cylindrical Wr g surface of the laten, these rolls being mounted in-wellknown manner upon a supporting arm l5 pivoted at Ifi-and-eon- V trolled by an operating memberor rotary cami'l to release the pressure of the pressure .rolls, orto cause them to press in operative position against the platen surface.

Positioned beyond the rotaryplaten l I is a rec-- ord strip feeding mechanism indicated generally at 18. Although the strip feeding mechanism may vary in construction insofar as this invention is concerned, it is herein-disclosed as being of the pin feedty-pe wherein -feed-pin-sare mounted for traveling movementand-are supported upon a flexible traveling chain as disclosed in the prior Mabon patent referred-t0. Thefeed pins of this feeding mechanism engage in a .series-of pin feed apertures formed in one or both of the-longitudinal marginal portions of the long-continuous record strips. This pin "feed mechanism 1 8- may be driven in a any appropriate manners For example, power transmitting connections maybe provided for transmitting the platen movementto the pin feed mechanism l8.i These connections may be similar to those-disclosed in the-aforesaid Mabonpatent-and arediagrammatically-indicated in Figs. 1 and 10 bymeans ofthe connection I-Ba interposed between the platen-shaft-and a rotary driving shaft of'thefeed unit It. The platen'may be rotated manually through the knob-1 la,-or by other means;

A type of stationery orreoordstrips for which the improved mechanism is adapted; isdisclosed in Fig. '7 of-the drawingsv Asthere shown; the record strips S are of the long continuous travelertype and may befanfoldedalong longitudinal edge portions asindicated-at- S, or these-strips may be separate individuat strips, each having opposite free edge portions, one or bothlongitudinal marginal portions of the record strips-of the assembly are formed witha longitudinal series-of pin feed apertures S -of the nature-fully described in the Mabonpatent: Also, each strip S'may 'have a longitudinal weakenedseverance line S running adjacent-to and-inside of the apertures S so as to form a detachable feed-band S that may be easily disconnected or severed from the strips after the writing has beencompleted. Also; the strips may have appropriate blank forms for receiving the inscriptions; and they are provided with transverse weakened severance lines S spaced at form length intervals, whereby the inscribed sets of forms orform leaves can be easily severed from the complete assembly.

Heretofore considerable difiiculty has been experienced in introducing the transfer material into transfer position with the record strips, in' cases in which the transfer or carbon strips .have not been previously assembled withthe record strips prior to, loading .such strips into inscriptionreceiving relation in the writing machine. According to the. present invention, an-improved arrangementhaszbeen devised where y theitramthe frame.

fer strip or strips can be introduced in transfer relation during the feeding of the long continuous traveler record strip assembly into writing position in the writing machine. This improved mechanism, as herein disclosed, embodies one or more continuous endless transfer or carbon strips l9. Although the carbon strips l9 are preferably endless as. disclosed, they may for some purposes be. made'of long continuous strips of, transfer material but not of the endless type. In such a case each transfer strip would ordinarily be fed from a supply source such as a roll or zigzag pack into transfer relation with the record strips and the forwardly fed end of each strip could .be; disposed of as desired. Where the endless transfer strips are used, as clearly shown in Fig. 9, it is, continuously fed or moved into transfer relation with the record strips, and after it has been once used it can be reintroduced in transfer relation and used again. The transfer strip may be thus used again and again until the transfer surface becomes depleted. Each transfer strip I9 is preferably coated with transfer material 20 on but one side thereof, as shown, but for some purposes itmay be thus coated on both sides. Thisstrip may bemade of appropriate material such as flexible sheet material that is sufficiently stout and tough to be used over and over again for repeated transfer use and to be fed by the improved feeding mechanism into' interleaved relation with the record strips, and also fed from such-interleaved relation. It may, for example, be made of paper of appropriate quality or of a woven textile fabric.

For guiding and directing the endless transfer strips I9 to and from interleaved transfer relation with the record strips S, guide plates 2t are mounted at opposite sides of the writing machine on appropriate supporting rods 22- attaohed to For this purpose each guide plate 2| has supporting lugs 23' attached thereto and provided with apertures for receiving the supporting rods along which the respective guide plates are'adjustable. Each guide plate may be constructed of appropriate material such as met a1, and has an'inwardly-and downwardly curved supporting surface on which the transfer strips 19 rest, and also outer upwardly extending edge guides or flanges 24 positioned for guiding en- "gagementwith the opposite longitudinal edges of the transfer strips;

Positioned'above the guide plates 2! are lower guide rolls 25 and upper guide rolls 26,'the latter serving as feed rolls for the transfer strips, as later described.- The'guide rolls 25 are preferably of relatively light material and are mounted forrotation on anti-friction bearings.

Mounted adjacent to the feed rolls 26 are rider rolls-or trucks 21' pressed into frictional engagement with the feed rolls. As best-seen in detail in Fig.5, each-of these rider rolls or trucks 21 is rotatabiy mounted upona reciprocating plun er-support28 mounted in asocketecl supporting member 29"andyieldingly urged outwardlywby means of-a coil spring 30 under compression.

The stress of the compressionspring 30 maybe adjusted by means of an adjustable thumb screw 3|. The plunger support may be additionally supported in its operative position by means. of

a transverse, supporting rod or pin32 seated in a.

26, are engaged with a friction grip that can be adjusted by minute increments by means of the adjusting screws 3|.

Each of the guiding and feeding rolls 26 is separately and individually driven to feed the endless transfer strips by means of a small electric motor 34 appropriately mounted on the machine and having a driving coupling 35 with the respective feed roll 26. This driving coupling 35 may be released or set in operative driving position by' means of appropriate mechanism (not shown) Each driving motor 34 is preferably connected to a supply source of electric power through an appropriate switch so that each motor can be controlled independently of the other. Also, each driving motor 34 when connected to the power source runs continuously so as to rotate the feed rolls 25 continuously to exert constant feeding effort upon the endless transfer strips.

Guiding and positioning devices are provided for the endless transfer strips l9 for guiding them to and from interleaved transfer relation with the record strips S, and for turning them at an angle of substantially 90 from a course transverse to that of the record strips, into the longitudinal course of the latter. These guiding and positioning devices include upper and lower strip guides or angle guide bars 36 and 31 positioned and supported at one side of the course of the record strips and disposed at a convenient angle to the course of the record strips to turn the transfer strips into the course of the latter, and to guide them into transfer relation with the record strips. A satisfactory angle for this purpose is about 45 to the course of the record strips, as shown in Fig. 3. This guiding and positioning means also includes an upper guiding angle bar 38 and a similar lower angle bar 39, similar respectively to the angle bars 36 and 31 but positioned and supported at the opposite side of the course of the record strips.

Each of the strip guiding angle bars 36, 31, 38 and 39 is provided with a strip guiding sleeve or shield partially enclosing or surrounding the respective angle bar. These shields 40, as shown, are substantially U-shaped with the bends there-- of extending around the forward or strip guiding and turning edges of the respectiveangle bars. from the corresponding angle bar both at the sides and bend thereof to provide sufiicient space or passageway for receiving the transfer stripsl9. These shields 40, as later more fully described, guid and protect the transfer strips from such engagement with the record strips as might interfere with the free feeding movements of both the record and transfer strips.

Supporting and adjusting means are provided for the angle guide bars 36, 31, 38 and 39 so as to vary their position relatively to the course of the record strips, and for the accommodation of record and carbon strips of different widths. This supporting and adjusting means in the embodiment shown includes two carriages adjustable transversely of the record strip course, the lower carriage indicated generally at 4! supporting the angle bars 36 and 31, and the upper carriage indicated generally at 42 supporting the angle bars 38 and 39. The lower carriage 4| may have any appropriate framework, that shown partially diagrammatic herein including a horizontal frame plate 43 to which are connected transverse frame members 44. The lower carriage 4| is provided with trucks or wheels 45 Each shield 40 is spaced a short distance running on tracks 46 that also serve as transvers frame members of the writing machine. The upper carriage 42 also has a horizontal frame plate 41 to which are connected transverse frame members 48 carrying wheels or trucks 49 running upon transverse tracks formed by the transverse frame members 44 of the lower carriage 4|. Thus, the lower carriage is supported for transverse adjustment of the writing machine upon the tracks 46, whil the upper carriage 42 is similarly supported for adjustment transversely of the writing machine upon the tracks 44 forming a part of the lower carriage.

As shown at the right in Figs. 2, 3 and 4, there is an upright framework 50 connected to and forming a part of the lower carriage 4| at the right side of the latter. Also, as seen at the left of these figures, there is a similar upright framework 5| similarly connected to and forming a part of the upper carriage 42 and rising above the left side thereof. These two frameworks 56 and 5| form unitary parts of the respective carriages 4| and 42 and move with the carriages when the latter are adjusted laterally of the writing machine upon their supporting tracks. The framework 56 includes upright frame members 52 and longitudinal frame members 28' and 53, while the framework at the left has similar upright frame members 54 and longitudinal frame members 28' and 55. The longitudinal frame members are connected at their opposite ends to th upright frame members to provide a strong supporting structure. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the upper angle guide bars 36 and 38 are respectively connected to and supported by the upper longitudinal frame members 53 and 55, while the lower angle bars 31 and 39 are similarly connected to and supported by the lower longitudinal frame members 53 and 55. Additional support for the angle bars and for their respective shields 46 may be provided if desired. It will be noted that the upper angle bars 36 and 38 are positioned in the upper path of the record strips S as the latter pass from writing position to the rearward, as viewed in Fig. l. The lower angle bars 31 and 39 are similarly positioned in the lower path of the record strips as the latter move from the source of supply S toward writing position upon the platen H. Each of the angle bars has a free extremity opposite to its point of support so that it can be projected into the fold provided by the longitudinal folds S of the fanfolded record strips above described.

Forward and rearward strip guide bars 56 and 51 are supported at one extremity thereof by the upright framework 50, extending from their points of support into the upper course or path of the record strips S. Thus, the guide bar 56 serves as a guide positioned to the rearward of the feed mechanism 18 for guiding the strips into th upper course adjacent to the upper angle guide bars 36 and 38, and the guide bar 51 serves as a guide for the record strips as they leave the machine in the rear where they are either folded into a zigzag pack S", or the like, or torn ofi and disposed of as desired. Also, there is a guide bar or roller 58 positioned just to the rear of the paper table 13 for guiding the strips from their lower course adjacent to the angle bars 31 and 39 into inscription receiving position upon the platen l I.

Referring particularly to Figs. 2 and 9 of the drawings, it will be noted that there are reserve transfer strip portions I9, one for each of the endless transfer. strips l ,I 9.; Each; endless. =transr fer. strip is of suflicient length-J have portions thereof. extending in ginterleaved transfer; relation with the record strips: S overthe inscription receiving. portions thereof at: the-platen .l I,. and still leave enough length of the stripto. extend from such transfer positionat one. of-the lateral sides of the courseof the. record stripassembly, and to provide for the reserve portionJS'; .This reserve portion will be'of .sufiicient extentor-volume so that the transfer strip asritzis moved to and from inscription positioncan-accumulate.so as toform a limited reserve section or supply. Portionsqof the transfer strip are storedztemporarily in this. reserve sectionand fed therefrom into transfer relation .wi-thth'e record strips, Y

As shown in Fig. 9, it'is convenientto' dispose this reserve section-or. supply 9-in the-form ofla depending loop depending from the guide rolls 25.-and the feed rolls-26.- In order to retaineach reserve section-or 100p iii-its correct-position. and toavoidldamage or incorrectpositioning or fouling of=tl:e transfer strip,- a guiding and. positioning device may be-utilized; Inrthelzembodiment shown this device is in the. form.-;of a floating positioning roller 59 resting by gravity in the lower end of'the' reserve loop 19.:- This positioning .roller is-preferably madeofiight material suchas wood or fiberboard or even lightg sheet metal, and is preferably circular in cross section, as shown, and provided-with end flanges 60; The roller is; thus suspended within the lower end. of the reserve loop, restingi bygravitytherein so as to maintainathe loop invits correct operative position. The innerbranch of the reserve loop runs over a guide .pIate-ZI and from thence to the guide roll. 25 into;interleavedtransfer-relation withthe record strips, The guide '2l preferably has a curved smoothguiding surface; contacting with the adjacentsurfacepf the transfer strip. transfer strip-or surface that is uncoated with transfer material, will contact withthe guiding surface of theguide plate 2| seas to avoid undue frictionand prevent damage-to the coating 0f transfer material. The side or, surface of the transferstrip that is coated with-the carbon. or transfer 'material is disposed outwardl away from thenguid'e plate 21, and is.disposed downwardly atythe portion or. stretch of the strip between the guide roll 25v and. the adjacent angle guidebar 3'5. But as the transfer strip isturned intothe longitudinal course of the record. strips, as shown in detail in Fig. 6, this transfer'surfacewill be turned to face upwardly, thusbringing it into correct position'for transfer inscriptions as the combined assemblyof record and transfer strips passes over inscription ireceiving position upon the platen I I.

It will be understood that the arrangement of each endless transfer strip, andthe guiding and controlling means therefor, willbethe same-in each instance in cases where morethan: one transfer stripis utilized. Two ,such endless transfer strips-are shown .in the illustrative em;- bodiment, but-.insomecases one .willbesufficient and where more than three superposed record strips are employed it Will beunderstood that there will be one of these. endless transfer. strips for eachzcopy record strip andappropriatecontrolling means therefor. Inscriptions are-usually made upon the top or original record-stripby means ofappropriate inking ribbons-cooperating with the typeof the type'bars in a manner-wellknown in the. art.

It will be noticed that the; back'of the In view of the foregoing detailed description of an illustrative. embodiment of theinvention, the operation for making manifoldinscriptions will be.-,-understood by those. skilled in the art,., and may be summarizedas follows- Ordinarily each of the endless-transferstrlps will-.be first threaded into-position in the. machine. Astrip of transfer material is cut from 3-:Sllpp1y-t0 have a sufiicient length with free endssto .form the endless transfer strip. One end of this strip is then threaded around the appropriatev angle: guide .bar 31, beneath. the U-shield 40, andtheforward end thereofwith the transfer surface-upwardly, as seen in Fig. 6, is. pulled.forwardly under the guide roll 58, ,over the platen 1| I and thence rearwardly oVeIt-the guide 56 to the uppenangleguide bar 35... Itis then threadedover the. guide bar 36' and beneath the .U-shield ln and the end thereof turned-and drawn transversely outwardly and positioned over the .feedroll ls. The opposite end of the transferstripis then positioned over the. guide roll 25 and the guide plate 2l,.and the .two ends of the strip brought-together atthe loop I9 and spliced so as to make a continuoustransfer strip. The splice may be formed by butting ordapping the two opposite ends of the strip together and fastening them in this positionby means .of a strip :of adhesive tape or similar material. When the strip-is, thus positioned, there will .be suflicient length to provide the reserve section or loan .19. When additional. endless transfer strips are required, they will be threaded into. .positionas described. The floating positioning, rollers can .then be placed in position in the; depending loops l8, or the can be placed in position later after the record strips have been threadedintoposition.

To thread the assembly of fanfolded transfer strips intowritingposition in the machine, the forward end, of the assembly is led forwardly from the supply suchas the zigzag folded pack S or from a roll .(not shown), and extended over .the; rear guide plate 12 and thence to. the lowerangle guide. bars and 39. In cases where there are three :fanfoldedrecord strips, as shown, the vuppenangle .guidebar. 39. is-introduced into the; upper fold of theassembly .and the lower angle guide bar 3'! is introduced into the lower fold. Therecord assembly is then. pulledforwardly relatively .to the transfer, strips andthe forward end thereof. is. introduced into. the feed grip at thelower side of the, platen. IL. Upto this ,point the transfer strips are notmoved longitudinally but are in interleaved transfer; re-

.either by hand or by operation. of the motors 34 .so .as to feedthe transfer strips forwardly over theplaten as the record stripsare being fed.. The. complete assembly of record ..and transfer strips, is thus led forwardly over the guide 56 and totheupper angle guide .bars. 36 and-.38, these being .then positioned in theup-per and lower folds ofthe fanfolded record .strip in the manner. described in connection with the lower angle bars, 31 and 39; The forward ends of .the. record strips may. beinscribed on-the platen. I I-, if de.- sired, prior to .the threading. thereof on the angle bars 36, and 38. Also, atanyappropriate timethe longitudinal marginal feed bands. having thepln feediapertures S will be placed in feeding err-.-

:gagement with the;pi n-.feed unit..l8. Whenthus threaded, the machine is in condition for continuous inscribing operation,

As inscription of the assembly progresses the complete assembly will be moved forwardly step by step to effect line spacing and the inscriptions will be entered during periods of rest. This feeding of the assembly will be accomplished by operation of the platen H and the pin feed mechanism 18, as fully described in the Mabon patent above referred to. At the same time, a constant forward feeding effort will be exerted upon each of the endless transfer strips l9 by operation of the transfer strip feeding mechanism embodying the feed rolls 26 and the adjustable pressure truck rolls 21. For this purpose the driving motors 34 will be energized and run continuously,thus exerting the continuous feeding effort upon the transfer strips. At the same time this constant feeding effort will be exerted by the same means upon the record strips S because the transfer strips are interleaved in frictional contact therewith. Therefore, the part or stretch of the assembly above and beyond the pin feed mechanism 18 will be kept constantly under some tension sufficient to prevent sagging thereof and to promote the smooth feeding of the complete assembly past the upper angle guide bars 35 and 38.

During the periods of rest of the complete record assembly during entry of inscriptions, the feed rolls 26 will continue to rotate, but the frictional contact surface thereof will slide idly over the surface of the transfer strip. The magnitude of the feeding effort required for best operating conditions can be adjusted with accuracy through minute gradations by means of the pressure ad justing screws 3| to vary the pressure of the truck rolls 2! against the strips at the feed grip portion at the feed rolls 26. It will thus be seen that the endless transfer strips is will be fed forwardly step by step as the record strips are being fed, thus keeping fresh transfer material always in inscribing position at the writing surface of the platen ll.

As the transfer strips l9 are being fed, as just described, the upper parts thereof are turned from their longitudinal course in the record assembly, into a course transverse thereto into feeding engagement with the feed rolls 26 and thence into the reserve supply loops l9. These reserve loops can thus expand and contract somewhat as required by the feeding action because of the depending loop and the upward and downward adjustment of the floating controlling roller 59. Transfer strips of different lengths are thus accommodated, and stretching or contraction compensated.

Similarly the endless transfer strips I9 are fed from this reserve supply or loop over the guide plates 2! and guide rolls 25 and over the lower angle bars 31 and 39, this feeding action being effected by the forward pull upon these strips by action of the rotation of the platen and feeding movement of the pin feed mechanism l8, assisted by the constant feeding effort exerted upon the endless transfer strips by the transfer strip feeding mechanism. As the inscribed portions of the record strips S are fed beyond the upper angle bars 3% and 38, they pass over the guide bar 51 and are folded by any appropriate means into an appropriate assembly such as the zigzag folded pack S shown in Fig. 10.

In case endless transfer strips of different widths are required, the guide plates 2| can be relatively adjusted along the supporting rods 22 to accommodate any widthof strips. Different.

widths of record strips can be similarly accommodated by relative adjustment of the guide plates I 2. When it is desired to introduce the transfer strips in different positions transversely of the record assembly or of the machine, this can be accomplished by adjusting the two guide plates 2| at either side of the machine together as a unit along the supporting rods 22.

Also, the operative positions of the angle guide bars 36, 31, 38 and 39 can be adjusted by moving their supporting carriages on their supporting rails 44 and 4'6. provided for securing these carriages in adjusted positions. justed independently of the lower carriage for adjustment of the angle bars 38 and 39 laterally of the record strips course. Also, all of the angle guide bars can be adjusted as a unit laterally of the record strip course by adjustment of the lower supporting carriage 4| When the lower carriage is thus adjusted one way or another, it carries with it the upper carriage 42 unless the latter is restrained from such movement. If it is desired to adjust the angle bars and 31, without at the same time adjusting the angle bars 38 and 39, this can be accomplished by restraining the upper carriage 42 from movement and at the same time adjusting the lower carriage 4| along its supporting rails. By means of this simple and effective adjusting arrangement, record and transfer strips of any desired width can be accommodated, and the course of the record strips along the writing machine can be laterally adjusted so as to bring the record strips into differentinscription receiving positions along the length of the platen l I.

From the foregoing detailed description it will be seen that the bottom record strip S of the assembly is frictionally engaged by the surface of the platen l l, and that it is fed forwardly by the conjoint action of the platen and the pin feed unit IS. The pressure of the record strips against the platen can be released by releasing the pressure rolls M. The transfer strips l9 do not engage the feed pins of the feed unit is but are fed forwardly by frictional engagement with the record strips. The transfer strips are also fed by the constant feedingeffort thereon exerted by the frictional feed rolls 2B, but the pull of this feeding mechanism is adjusted so that there is not record assembly beyond the pin feed unit I8.

This method of applying feeding effort to the transfer strips helps to maintain the strips in proper registry and it is also effective in lowering the power requirements for driving the inscribing machine.

It will also be seen that pressure trucks 21] of the transfer strip feeding mechanism can be adjusted to different operative positions along the length of the respective feed rolls 26 merely by sliding the plunger supports 28 to different positions along the supporting bar 28' and securing them in adjusted operative position by means of they set screws 28a threaded to slotted attaching lugs 28b connected to the plunger supports 28.

It will be noticed that the shields 40 for the angle guide bars for the carbon strips prevent any contacting of the forwardly moving record Any appropriate means may be The upper carriage 42 can thus be ad- 1. 'In'--a machine of the character described,

in combination, means for feeding record strips i'nto inscription receiving "position, separate means" positionedlat'erallyoutside of" the course ofs'ald record strips and" being continuously oper'a'ted forfeeding a'transferstrip in transfer relation withsaid record strips, guide means for guiding the transfer strip from a'cou'rse transverse'to that of said record strip into the course of sa'idrecordstri and-means=for adjusting said transfer strip feedir gmeans torenderit capable of feed ng the trari's'fer str-ip only during' op'erati'on of' the record strip'feeding means.

25 111 a machine of the "character described, in combination; means for feeding record strips in'to inscription 'reoeiving pcs tion; separate feeding- 1 means ositioned laterally-outside of'the' course of'--=said record" strips 7 and 'en'gag'ing" a transfer stiln-sepa-rated 'froni the record strips to feedit in transfer"'relatiom with said "record strips whereby 'feedingof the transfer strip w ll exert feeding effort on the record strips; guide means for 'g'u-iHingthe t'rans'fer strip" for travel from a course transverse to that of said record strips into the-course of-said re'cord strips; said guide means including' a guide' bar inclined to the course of the record strips; an d ashram extending' along "said guide bar, and being U- shap'ed enclosingthe rearward or guiding edge of saidbar to avoid fouling of the record andt'ransfor Strips, said-shield being spaced fromsaid guidebar to form a U- shaped passageway for the free passage of-saidtran'sf'er strip.

3 In a machine of the character described, in combination, means-forfeedingrecord strips into inscription receivingjposition, guide-means including a guidebar' inclinedto the "course of's'a'id rec'drdstrips for guiding a-transfer strip during feeding"movements thereofover said bar from a course transverseto thatof said record st'rips in'tothe courseof'said-rec'ord strips, and a U -shaped shield extending alongand enclosing the guide edge of "saidguide bar and spaced therefrom at both sides of thebarto form a u-shaped'passageway for 'free passage of said transfer strip during said feeding movements thereof.

'4. In a machine of the character described,-in combination, a writing platen, strip feeding means for feeding record'strips' over said platen, guide means'for guiding and'positioning an endless transferstrip in'interleaved transfer relation withsaidrecord strips'on 'said platen; said endless trarisier strip having areserve section outsideofthe course of saidrecord strips, feeding means separate 'from' said first mentioned strip fedi'ng means 'for "feeding said transfer strip "to" said'"reserve section, and a'"controlling device'for said"reser've section automatically adjustable to compensate for expansioniorcontraotion" thereof.

and guiding said endless transfer strip at said reserve portion.

'6. Ina machine of the character d'escribed,in combination, means for feeding record strips into inscription receiving position, separate means for feeding an" endless strip of transfer material in the longitudinal course of the record strips when intransfer relation therewith so that feeding of the endless transfer strip exerts feeding effort upon the record strips, guide means for turning said endless transfer strip to and'fr'om thecourse of said 'record strips, said endless transfer strip having a depending loop separate from the record strips and positioned 'in' a vertical plane spaoed'lat'erallyfrom'the record strips outside'of the c'oursethereof, and means for controlling and guiding said endless transfer "strip at said dopending loop' and including a floatingcontrolling member'en'gaging'saidloop.

'7. In a machine of the character described, in combination, means for'feedingrecord'strips into inscription receiving position, and separate means for feeding" an endless strip of transfer material in the 'longitudinahcourse of the record strips when in transfer relation therewith; saidtransfer strip-feeding 'riieansincluding .a continuously operating friction feed device having slipping frictional feeding engagement 'with'the transfer strip alone when separated from the record strips, and adjusting means for adjusting'the "frictional feeding engagement of said transfer strip feeding meansto render it capable of feeding the transfer strip only when 'said first mentioned feeding means isoper'ating.

8. In a machine of the character desribedfin combination, means for feeding recordstrips into inscription receiving position, separate means for feeding an endless strip of transfer material in the longitudinal course of the record strips when in transfer relation'therewith whereby feeding of the strip of transfer materialwill exert feeding effort on the record strips, said transfer strip feeding means including a continuously operating friction feed device having slipping frictional feeding-engagement with-thetransfer strip when separated from the record strips,- and means for controlling and guiding: saidendless transfer strip at reserveparts thereof intermediate the points-of entering: and leavingthecourse of the record strips said controlling means being automatically adjustable to compensate for expansion-pr contractionof said reserve parts'thereof.

9; In a machine of'the character described, in combinatiom m'eans f or "f ceding record stripsinto inscription receiving position, separate means for feeding an endless strip of transfer material in the longitudinal course 'of the record strips when in transfer relation therewithwherebyfeeding of thestrip of transfer material will exert feeding effort on'the record strips, guide means for turn-' vice having slipping frictional feedin engagement with the transfer strip at parts thereof separated from the record strips.

10. In a machine of the character described, in combination, guide means for guiding an endless transfer strip laterally from transfer relation with one or more record strips into a reserve loop separated from the record strips and positioned laterally outside of the course of the record strips,

and strip feeding means including a continuously operating friction feeding device engaging the transfer strip adjacent to said reserve loop to move it from transfer relation with the record strips.

11. In a machine of the character described, in combination, a writing platen, strip feeding means positioned beyond said platen for feeding record strips with a tractive effort over said platen, guide means for guiding and positioning an endless transfer strip in transfer relation with said record strips, guide means for guiding said endless transfer strip from transfer relation with said record strips, feeding means cooperating in feeding relation with said transfer strip at a part thereof separated from the record strips to draw it from transfer relation with the record strips and to position it in a reserve section in the form of a depending loop preparatory to introduction to said first mentioned guide means, and a float- --ing controlling member for said reserve loop of the transfer strip.

12. In a machine of the character described, in combination, a writing platen, strip feeding means for feedin record strips over said platen, guide means for guiding and positioning an endless transfer strip in interleaved transfer relation with said record strips on said platen, said endless transfer strip having a reserve section outside of the course of said record strips, guide means for guiding said endless transfer strip from transfer relation with said record strips, impositive feeding means cooperating in feeding relation with said transfer strip outside of the source of said record strips to exert feeding effort insufficient to effect feeding movement of the record and transfer strips on said platen but sufficient to effect feeding movement of the transfer strip when said first mentioned strip feeding means is operated so as to draw the transfer strip from transfer relation with the record strips and to position it in said reserve section preparatory to introduction to said first mentioned guide means, and a guide located near said reserve section for positioning the transfer strip for transfer relation with the record strips.

13. In a machine of the character described, in combination, a writing platen, strip feeding means for feeding record strips over said platen, guide means for guiding and positioning an endless transfer strip in interleaved transfer relation with said record strips on said platen, said endless transfer strip having a reserve section outside of the course of saidrecord strips, feeding means separate from said first mentioned strip feeding means for feeding said transfer strip to said reserve section, said transfer strip feeding means being impositive so as to exert insuflicient effort to feed the record and transfer strips on said platen but sufiicient to feed the transfer strip to said reserve section when said first mentioned strip feeding means i operated, and a controlling device for said reserve section automatically adjustable to compensate for expansion or contraction thereof.

14. In a machine of the character described, in combination, a guide bar supported in inclined position with reference to the course of record strips for turning a transfer strip with reference to said course during feeding movements of said record and transfer strips, and a U-shaped shield for said guide bar to avoid fouling of the record and transfer strips during said feeding movements, said shield enclosing the guiding edge of said guide bar and being spaced therefrom above and below the bar to form a U-shaped passageway for the free passage of said transfer strip during said feeding movements thereof.

15. In a machine of the character described, in combination, a plurality of guide means for turning transfer strips positioned at opposite sides of the course of record strips with which the transfer strips are arranged in transfer relation, and a plurality of carriages respectively carrying said guide means, one of said carriages with its guide means being mounted for adjusting movements laterally of the record strip course and carrying a supporting rail upon which the other or upper carriage with its guide means is supported for adjusting movements laterally of the record strip course, whereby said carriages may be moved in unison to effect adjustment of said guide means in unison, and one carriage may be moved independently of another to effect adjustment of one guide means independently of another.

16. In a machine of the character described, in combination, a pluralit of guide means for turning transfer strips positioned at opposite sides of the course of record strips with which the transfer strips are arranged in transfer relation, a plurality of carriages respectively carrying said guide means, one of said carriages with its guide means being mounted for adjusting movements laterally of the record strip course and carrying a supporting rail upon which the other or upper carriage with its guide means is supported for adjusting movements laterally of the record strip course, whereby said carriages may be moved in unison to effect adjustment of said guide means in unison, and one carriage may be moved independently of another to eifect adjustment of one guide means independently of another, each of said carriages having an upright supporting frame carrying one of said strip guide means in ele vated position spaced above another of said guide means whereby transfer strips may be guided and turned in upper and lower courses of the record strips, and feeding devices respectively mounted on said upright frames and cooperating in feeding relation with said transfer strips outside of the course of said record strips.

17. In a machine of the character described, in

combination, a plurality of guide means for turning transfer strips positioned at opposite sides of the course of record strips with which the transfer strips are arranged in transfer relation, a plurality of carriages respectively carrying said guide means, and being adjustable laterally of the record strip course, each of said carriages having an upright supporting frame carrying one of said strippgnide means in' elevated nosition zspaced\ arrangedin superposed transfer relation whereby feeding of a transfer strip by"said":slip"fficti0n feeding 'dev-i'ce exerts" feeding efiortron said' record strip or'strips, and meanswherebysaid friction feeding device slides idly onthe transfer strip engaged thereby: so as to "eXert'fee ding fiortthereon insu'flicient' to feed the same except when another of said separate feeding means is operatedtsaid transfer strip having a? reserve' 'io'o i' positioned outside of the course of'thewecord strips irito which-it; is -fed' by sa'id f fiction "feeding device and from which 1 it is fed into transfer reiatiom with the-recordstr ips.

19. In a machine of tiie character described; in combination; separate feeding meansincluding a slip-friction feeding device,:said feed-ing'mean's'cooperating for feeding record and -transfe'r=strips arranged insuperposed transfer relation whereby feeding of a transfer =strip by said slip -friction feeding deviceexerts-feeding effort onsaid-record stripor strips, means whereby saidfriction feeding device-slides idlyon thetransfer 'strip engaged thereby so as toexert feeding efiort thereon insufficient to' feedthe same except-when another of said separate feeding means -is--operated; said-transfer strip-having a-reserve1oop-positioned outsideof the course of the "record strips into which-it -is=fed by said friction feeding-nevice-and from which itis fed into transfer relation with the record strips-, and acontrolling de- 20 vice for -said-reserve loop' automatically-adjustable-to compensate for expansion or retraction thereof.

ROBERT P. WILLARD. 

